unsanitary, unsafe or otherwise extreme conditions in a Massachusetts jail or prison

lengthy or arbitrary isolation or segregation, especially if the prisoner is suffering from mental illness, or

unfair denial or revocation of parole, or excessive delays in parole proceeding

On behalf of our clients, PLS:

educates and advises prisoners on prison and jail policies and procedures, including grievance the grievance processes

documents instances when a prisoner is assaulted by a guard, including by interviewing the prisoner as soon as possible and requesting video footage or other evidence

urges corrections and medical personnel to provide necessary or recommended medical and mental health care, including medication and operations, in consultation with the client

provides legal representation in litigation when necessary, by:

filing a lawsuit to change policies and practices or to hold the government or officials responsible for wrongdoing, or

referring the client to another attorney willing to represent the client at no charge (pro bono)

Becoming a PLS Client
We accept calls from Massachusetts prisoners and their family members on Monday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. (800) 882-1413 is a free line for non-prisoners anywhere in Massachusetts. Prisoners in county facilities should call collect on (617) 482-4124. Prisoners in DOC facilities can call on a speed-dial number, 9004, which is pre-authorized on all state prisoner PIN cards.

Obtaining Other Information and Assistance
For information and referrals on other topics related to incarceration and the rights of prisoners, please see the Self Help section of this website. Information regarding parole can be found on the Parole page.

Important notice

We manage this website to help people understand their legal rights and responsibilities. The information on this site is only for your education. It is not legal advice. If you use it, it is your responsibility to make sure that the information is complete, accurate, and applies to your situation. If you need legal advice, you should consult a lawyer.